Dilemma combining AirflowNetwork with a zone plenum in EnergyPlus IDF?
I am beginning to learn EnergyPlus by building up an IDF model base on my single-family residence. I had the model functioning satisfactorily with an AirLoopHVAC:ReturnPlenum but now need to add AirflowNetwork components to it. After working out the severe errors to the point of it beginning the first day's warm-up simulation, I hit an apparent roadblock involving the plenum zone node. AirflowNetwork seems to demand that node be represented as a Distribution:Node, and the latter entered into the linkage chain. Once done, I get the single error that says the Component Name in the Distribution:Node definition is not found in the AirLoopHVAC. If it can't be found, it shouldn't need to be included!
After thoroughly checking the IDF for errors, I looked for examples of similar for some guidance, but found none that included the combination of an AirflowNetwork with a zone plenum. The documentation files provided no help on the issue either. Online, I found practically nothing, except one 2013 dissertation that seemed to imply it used both simultaneously. And then a 12/10/22 unanswered request for help on UnmetHours by harjmand, "Airflow network with distribution results!". My issue is not the same as harjmand's but he/she seems to have gone beyond my roadblock somehow. I am looking for some example using both an AirflowNetwork and a zone plenum (preferred), or other insight that might show me a way out of this circular errors situation. Thanks.
After trying all kinds of work-arounds I can think of to satisfy the AirflowNetwork's demand that the Plenum zone node be defined, yet when it is defined it cannot find the AirLoopHVAC reference (though it appears in the BND), I am coming to the conclusion that a zone plenum is incompatible with AirflowNetwork Distribution. If someone can confirm this or show how it can be achieved, this case can be closed.